Liquid crystal display apparatus

Abstract

Large electronic signs usually employ either incandescent lights or magnetically manipulated elements. A simple alternative includes a plurality of juxtaposed modules on a transparent diffuser plate, each module being defined by a base plate, a top plate and a conductive, liquid crystal coating layer between the plates; transparent electrical contacts in the area of overhang between the top plate and the diffuser plate, and thin wires extending through the diffuser plate for carrying current to the contacts.

We claim: 
     
       1. A liquid crystal display apparatus comprising a plurality of individual liquid crystal modules in juxtaposed relationship to define a planar display, each said module including base plate means; top plate means and a conductive liquid crystal coating layer between said plate means, one edge of said top plate means extending beyond a corresponding edge of said base plate means, the remainder of the top plate means being coterminous with said bottom plate means; diffuser plate means carrying said modules for scattering light passing through or reflected by the diffuser plate means; and electrically conductive contact means extending between said one edge of said top plate and said diffuser plate means for conducting electrical current to each said module. 
     
     
       2. An apparatus according to claim 1, including transparent cover plate means covering all said modules. 
     
     
       3. An apparatus according to claim 1, including a layer of fluorescent dye beneath said diffuser plate means. 
     
     
       4. An apparatus according to claim 1, including lens means on said modules for redirecting light therefrom. 
     
     
       5. An apparatus according to claim 1 including transparent conductor means sandwiched between said modules and said diffuser plate means for carrying electrical current to said contact means. 
     
     
       6. An apparatus according to claim 1, including fine conductor means extending through said diffuser plate means for carrying electrical current to said contact means. 
     
     
       7. An apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said contact means is transparent. 
     
     
       8. An apparatus according to claim 6, including conductive pattern means sandwiched between said modules and said diffuser plate means, and in electrical contact with said contact means and said conductor means.